2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Ferrari 456M
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 456M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 456M would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 1220 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Ferrari 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 1998 Ferrari 456M has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ferrari 456M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1998 Ferrari 456M | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | 7 | 456M |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 435 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2600 mm |
